Loading summary
Advertiser
This message comes from Noom. Using psychology and biology to build personal meal plans to fit your lifestyle, taking into account dietary restrictions, medical issues, and other personal needs. Sign up for your trial today@noom.com.
Kelly McEvers
Hey, again, I'm Kelly McEvers, and you are listening to the third and final episode in Embedded's alternate reality series. If you haven't listened to the first two, go back to your feed. All the episodes are there. Okay, back to the story. Here's episode three.
Zach Mack
All right. Okay, here we go.
Dad
Oh, I should go get my list, right?
Zach Mack
Yeah, go get your list.
Dad
All right.
Zach Mack
After almost a year of waiting, the day had finally arrived. It was time to close out the bet on Dad's ten predictions. With $10,000 on the line. I mean, I have everything, but you.
Dad
Can go get your list so I can look at it and see if there's anything I can do. Pretend happened.
Zach Mack
Oh, man. Well, at least so far, we're sharing a reality. Dad and I sat across from each other at the same table. We shared countless family dinners growing up. He pulled out his handwritten list, and I had my laptop open to a dock full of questions and fact checks. I'm just gonna go through the list for your 10 predictions for the year. We'll start with the easy ones. There's four that can easily be grouped together, and that is. Barack Obama will be convicted of treason. Joe Biden will be convicted of treason. Nancy Pelosi convicted of treason. The Clintons convicted of treason and murder. I would group them categorically. I ran through the list. No convictions, no charges, not even any investigations. Literally no momentum of any kind.
Dad
Yes, I fully hoped that would take place before the end of 2024, but that has not taken place.
Zach Mack
If you're keeping score at home, that's four for me. All right, next one. You said Trump will be reinstated without an election. Trump won reelection. He was not reinstated without an election. That's five. Trump will have all charges dropped. On May 30, 2024, Trump was found guilty and convicted on 34 felony charges in a New York hush money trial. Yeah, that makes six. Moving on, next one. Governor Hochul, the governor of New York would be removed from office. Governor Hochul is currently in office. No charges being brought against her. She will be up for reelection in 2026.
Dad
That is correct.
Zach Mack
Seven onto the home stretch. Biden will be removed from office, which, you know, at the time of the recording, he was still president. Biden's still in the White House. You're not. You're not rebutting that.
Dad
Yeah, well. Cause somebody pretending to be the Biden is in the White House.
Zach Mack
Okay. And we're back to body doubles. But even still, he conceded the point. So that's eight. Okay, then there's one prediction dad was close on because Eric Adams, the mayor of New York, could be removed, just not in time. As it stands right now, he's still the mayor.
Dad
Right.
Zach Mack
Tough break. But that makes nine. Okay, last one. Our country would come under martial law. As far as I know. That didn't happen.
Dad
That did not happen.
Zach Mack
Okay. No. Any rebuttals there?
Dad
I'm very happy that that didn't happen.
Zach Mack
And that's 10. So it was clear I was the winner. The whole deal was for you to convince me that you're right. But you're oh for 10, so.
Dad
Right. I'm zero for 10. So it can only go up from here.
Zach Mack
That's one way to put it. At long last, it was finally time to hear dad say the magic words we agreed to a year ago.
Dad
I want to have you say after each one of these is that, wow, dad, you were right and I was wrong.
Zach Mack
Same goes for you then.
Dad
And do you want me to say that 10 times?
Zach Mack
I don't need you to say it 10 times. Just give me one good take.
Dad
Okay. All right. So I'm going to say to you sincerely and honestly and heartfelt that, wow, Zach, I was wrong and you were correct.
Zach Mack
Thank you. I wish I could tell you that dad changed his mind and that the family was able to heal.
Dad
However.
Zach Mack
You're really prefacing that?
Dad
Yes, because. However, just because this has not happened in 2024 doesn't make any of these less valid.
Zach Mack
Right?
Dad
Or less real. I guarantee you, you will see by the end of 2025 that all 10 of these have legs. And I still am 100% positive that all these are true.
Zach Mack
So your explanation for why these things did not yet come to pass is that you just got the timeline wrong? Yes, unfortunately. But unsurprisingly, dad turned to the failed prophecy playbook. He blamed it on the timeline. We were right back where we started. You still believe what you believe. And I still believe that that's false.
Dad
Correct.
Zach Mack
Dad's not changing. It's not the outcome I was hoping for, but here we are. So now what? What happens to Kira? What happens to Mom? And where does that leave me? The bet was over, but we still needed to assess the damage and see if dad was willing to take any steps towards repair. From NPR's Embedded. I'm Zach Mack and this is the final episode of Alternate Realities.
Advertiser
This message comes from Schwab. At Schwab, how you invest is your choice, not theirs. That's why when it comes to managing your wealth, Schwab gives you more choices. You can invest and trade on your own. Plus get advice and more comprehensive wealth solutions to help meet your unique needs. With award winning service, low costs and transparent advice, you can manage your wealth your way at Schwab. Visit schwab.com to learn more.
Kelly McEvers
This message comes from Pemco Mutual Insurance Company. You know that moment when things take an unexpected turn and you get that sudden sinking feeling that maybe it could have been avoided? Pemco Insurance wants to help you avoid that feeling by sharing prevention tips that empower you to prevent some of life's preventable pitfalls. Because Pemco's commitment to their customers goes beyond the moment of acclaim, it's about being with their customers every day. More@pemco.com Prevention this message comes from Noom.
Advertiser
Using psychology and biology to build personal meal plans to fit your lifestyle, taking into account dietary restrictions, medical issues and other personal needs. With daily lessons that are personalized to you and your goals, Noom's flexible program focuses on progress instead of perfection to help you build new habits for a healthier lifestyle. Sign up for your trial today@noom.com this.
Kelly McEvers
Message comes from holmes.com what kind of programs does this school have? How are the test scores? These are all things parents ask when they home shop. That's why Each listing on Homes.com includes extensive reports on local schools. Homes.com we've done your homework.
Zach Mack
Okay, let's back up a second because just days before I sat down with dad to settle the bet, things with the family had hit an all time low. Right before flying home for Christmas, I had arranged a call with my mom and sister. I was hoping they could come up with something I could convey to dad in our final conversation. Concrete steps he could take to show he was trying. But minutes before our call, my sister sent a text. She gave me permission to read this. By the way. Last night I realized to a new degree how angry and hurt I am and am not in the space to participate. I made my ask two years ago for him to accept me and love me and he has seemed very disinterested in doing so. Please continue today without me. Kira was out still. Mom suggested we check in. Turns out she had a pretty big update of her own.
Dad
Hi.
Zach Mack
Hey. How are you?
Mom
A lot going on in the last 12 hours.
Zach Mack
She began to fill me in the night before. She and dad were talking about his beliefs around Kira and conspiracies and religion, and if he was open to reconsidering.
Mom
He said that he's not going to change his religious viewpoints. He's not going to change. And then I just said. And then I just don't see. I don't see a path where this marriage can continue. I don't see a path for me.
Zach Mack
And what did he say?
Mom
He. He sort of didn't really respond.
Zach Mack
After 40 years of marriage, mom was done. They had agreed to separate and for my dad to move out.
Mom
I mean, I'm embarrassed to say the situation with Kira wasn't the one that knocked it over, but I was ever hopeful that he would come to a reality about that. But what I realized is that he's. He's beyond redemption at this point.
Zach Mack
To be honest, I was surprised at how quickly all this happened. Not very long ago, we talked, and you were sort of, you know, like, oh, I can't wait for January 1st. So he'll be proven wrong, and then we can kind of, like, move on. Move on. And Here we are 12 days before new Year's, and it's, like, totally sputtered out.
Mom
Yeah.
Zach Mack
I was proud of mom for holding her ground. Soon she could be unburdened by all this, free to retire and move on. And also, she gave me some relief of my own.
Mom
It's been a long time coming. You know, we were headed in this direction long before you.
Zach Mack
At least it wouldn't be my reporting that did us in. So days later, it was just down to me and Dad. I had spent months picturing what confronting him would look like, but none of those scenarios had included me being the only one left on good terms with him. After going through each prediction together, I knew it was finally time to press him. I just see sort of an unwillingness to. For you to be wrong.
Dad
Wrong about 10 things. I mean, I'm gonna admit I was wrong about the timeline on all 10 things. I've been wrong.
Zach Mack
See how you prefaced it? Not. Not that you're wrong about them. You're just wrong about the timeline.
Dad
Yeah, but that's still a type of wrong.
Zach Mack
Sure, but it's a half measure. It's a way for you to be right.
Dad
Yeah. Because I. I still believe the majority of these things are legitimate.
Zach Mack
Yeah. Despite dad signaling all year he wasn't going to change his mind, it was still disappointing to see it unfold. All of these beliefs. It Feels like you're. You're really holding on to them, and I'm not sure why, because I. I know they're true.
Dad
Why am I going to abandon truth? I. Why would I believe a lie? Why would I give that up? And it's not an arrogant thing. It's. It's a knowing in my soul and in my spirit. So, yeah, I mean, yeah, I can't abandon the truth.
Zach Mack
As I watched him dig in and double down, I couldn't help but imagine his future. The unvetted information he'd take in, the precious metals and survivalist gear he'd spend more money on. The people he'd surround himself with as he drifted further away from the family. 1. One of the things I've thought a lot about during this process is, like, is your dad and what happened to him. And in the face of so many people around him, including yourself, saying, hey, you're going down the wrong road, like, don't do this, please listen. And he. He wouldn't. He wouldn't hear it from anyone.
Dad
Okay?
Zach Mack
And it cost him his life. I see a lot of parallels with what's happening right now.
Dad
Interesting.
Zach Mack
I. You know, I don't think you're at risk of physical danger so much.
Dad
Yeah.
Zach Mack
I think you're at risk of a lot of other things.
Dad
Like what?
Zach Mack
Financial ruin? I think you're at risk of being ostracized and, like, completely left out of this family dynamic.
Dad
That would break my heart.
Zach Mack
But I think I see that you're at risk reputationally.
Dad
How so?
Zach Mack
I think the people in your community, you know, our friends, family, I don't think they're. They believe what you believe. And I do think that's going to continue to impact you negatively.
Dad
The majority do not. But I don't talk to him about it. I don't talk to Marty about this kind of stuff.
Zach Mack
You do talk to Marty about it. I've interviewed Marty about it.
Dad
Very, very small. Very small.
Zach Mack
I've talked to Marty. I talked to Chuck. I talked to Paul.
Dad
Okay.
Zach Mack
I talked to John. None of them are really on board with these beliefs.
Dad
That's not true.
Zach Mack
Paul said he's not on board at all and that it's been really difficult. Chuck, obviously not on board at all. Marty confused, you know, says, I'm just curious how he got to this place. But I feel like the closest friends in your life, your family, you know, the people around you are telling you, hey, you're going the wrong way. You're not listening.
Dad
Actually, none of them are saying that to Me?
Zach Mack
None of them.
Dad
None of them.
Zach Mack
Okay.
Dad
Yeah. Nobody. None of the people you've mentioned have told me that I'm going in the wrong direction. The only people who've said that are you and Mom.
Zach Mack
So if all those people told you, would you hear them?
Dad
I would listen to them. I probably wouldn't change, but I take it into consideration.
Zach Mack
So you don't think that sounds like your dad?
Dad
That aspect of it. Yeah, but my dad. My dad had trouble living in reality. I don't have a trouble living in reality.
Zach Mack
I would. I would argue that you do. At this point in the conversation, I began to struggle. I could feel my patience wearing down. I started to press him more. I mean, look at the state of our family right now. I. And I think we've gotten to this place in large part because of your beliefs.
Dad
Well, yeah. You can point the finger at me and say it's because of your beliefs. That's partially true. But it's simultaneously because of your. The three of your beliefs. Right. I understand your beliefs, but I don't believe that way. I'm not going to pretend I believe that way. And I know you guys don't want me just to pretend. You want me to embrace it.
Zach Mack
Yeah.
Dad
And live it and think it and breathe it the same way you do. I can't do that. Therefore, it creates a wedge, right? Yeah, but it doesn't have to. And I think the post Covid years have really magnified and polarized people.
Zach Mack
Yeah, but I would say that's when you got radicalized. I don't think ultimately, Mom, Kira and I have changed a lot ideologically since that time. I don't think you're in the same place. I think that's what's changed, and we're reacting to that change.
Dad
I can agree with that. I see that I have made more significant changes in the past four years in terms of my own spiritual awareness and spiritual growth.
Zach Mack
Yeah.
Dad
So. And that certainly I know, feels and looks very radical.
Zach Mack
Let's talk about mom for a second.
Dad
Oh, I think. I think. I think your mom. I don't know what I think about her anymore. I mean, I don't think negative about her other than she's lost and confused.
Zach Mack
I mean, I guess she would say.
Dad
That about you, probably, and a lot worse. I continue to love your mom, but this is the irony. She sits in judgment of me and therefore judges me unworthy of being her partner and husband anymore. So she wants to walk away and terminate the relationship and move on. I mean, short of pretending to be Somebody who I'm not. I don't see a solution.
Zach Mack
Yeah, I agree. So I think it would. It would take you changing, and it doesn't seem like you're really open to doing that.
Dad
Yeah. Or simultaneously. It would take the three of you changing.
Zach Mack
Yeah.
Dad
Right.
Zach Mack
Yeah. But I. I just don't see a compelling sell. It doesn't seem like. You're right. I could see dad straining, searching for any solution that didn't involve him being wrong. So he started bargaining.
Dad
Zack, I could never talk to you about this again, have great times with you, great conversations, and pretend I didn't believe any of this anymore.
Zach Mack
So just suppressing it.
Dad
Yeah.
Zach Mack
Is the solution, you think?
Dad
No, I don't think it's the solution. But that's what I feel pressured to do when I have these kind of conversations with you.
Zach Mack
I mean, look, I think this year has been difficult, especially recently. But I also think you and I have gotten closer than we've ever been.
Dad
I agree. And that's why I say, for me, that's worth every dollar.
Zach Mack
It. Yeah. It's not that it's not worth it. It's just. Well, I don't know. I don't know that it is worth. I don't think these beliefs are worth it. I think you're losing a lot for them.
Dad
I disagree.
Zach Mack
I think you and I are. Are, like, ultimately where I do feel like we are getting along really well. I do feel conflicted because as that's happening, you and mom are getting separated and Kira's not home for Christmas. And those are all because of your beliefs.
Dad
Simultaneously. I would say to you that.
Zach Mack
All.
Dad
Three of you are judging me very harshly, and that's what's causing the rift. I can accept you and love you and have my beliefs and accept your beliefs. You can't accept my beliefs without judging me.
Zach Mack
You don't think you're judging Kira?
Dad
Not at all. I love my daughter. I love Kira.
Zach Mack
I know that you do.
Dad
I would never. I would never disown my daughter. I would, literally.
Zach Mack
But you reject her sexuality.
Dad
I reject her identifying herself as lesbian or queer or whatever.
Zach Mack
For. Why?
Dad
Because I don't believe that's a legitimate label. And I refuse to see my daughter only through that lens.
Zach Mack
But I think Kira does feel rejected. She does not feel fully accepted by you.
Dad
Yeah, I get that. I get that. And I don't know how to convince her otherwise, but I will continue to try. It's not about rejection. See, that's how you guys label it, but it's not rejection. It's about looking at it from a spiritual viewpoint where this is not what God wants for her. Right. And because I identify more with God, I take the same path.
Zach Mack
What is your plan with Kira?
Dad
To continue to reach out to her and continue to reassure her that I love her, want to spend time with her. And I don't sit in judgment of her, and I don't look down on her, and I don't think anything negative about her.
Zach Mack
As the conversation wound down, I let go of any notion I could convince him of anything he didn't already believe. I was finally ready to stop struggling and just accept the truth. I couldn't help him. Maybe someone else could. If I arranged for someone to speak with you about this stuff, who sort of specializes in. In this stuff, would you be open to something like that?
Dad
Sure.
Zach Mack
Yeah. You actually would.
Dad
Yeah.
Zach Mack
Okay. I mean that. Honestly, that's kind of it. I just want to say I do really appreciate. Oh, man. Sorry. It's been. It's been a hard year, man. This is.
Dad
Yeah.
Zach Mack
But I mean, I appreciate the conversations we've had all year. Like, I feel closer to you than I ever have. And I'm. I'm really sad about the state of this family.
Dad
Yeah.
Zach Mack
But I do appreciate your. Your openness, your willingness to. I don't know. I mean, you never ducked. You never ducked. A hard question.
Dad
No need to.
Zach Mack
Where do you think we'll be next Christmas?
Dad
I don't know. I have no idea.
Zach Mack
Yeah.
Dad
I have no idea, man. I can't even think that far ahead.
Zach Mack
Yeah. I have one final question for you.
Dad
Okay.
Zach Mack
How are you gonna pay me? Check. Should we go to the bank? Should I get one of those giant golf checks?
Dad
I figured you'd probably want small, unmarked bills. Non sequential.
Zach Mack
Yes.
Dad
So do you. Did you bring a suitcase?
Zach Mack
I have a gym bag.
Dad
Okay. We'll fill that puppy up.
Zach Mack
Let's do it.
Dad
All right.
Zach Mack
Let's get a hug.
Dad
All right. Oh, I love you.
Zach Mack
Love you, too. As we stood there hugging, I just broke down.
Dad
I'm sorry. I'm sorry. It's my word.
Zach Mack
I don't know what comes next, where we go from here. It felt like things fell apart so quickly, but also so slowly over many years. The cracks became holes, and in the end, we didn't make it. I think in many ways, I'm the one who got off the easiest. I'm still in good standing with everyone, which makes me feel a mixture of relief and guilt, maybe a splash of gratitude. And for those of you who keep asking, yes, I took the money. Absolutely. Okay. We're walking to the Rose Bowl.
Dad
Yeah.
Zach Mack
How do you feel? But on New Year's Day, the day my dad officially lost the bet, I'm pumped up. I took him to go see Ohio State, our favorite football team, playing the Rose Bowl. What do you think the score is going to be? And paid for everything.
Dad
I think it's going to be 31 to 22 bucks.
Zach Mack
Okay. Yet another prediction my father got wrong, by the way. But they did win. Go, Buckeyes. Let's go. All right, let's go. The day was a reminder of how good things could be, and at the same time, of everything we couldn't be. Not anymore. As I watched the clock run down, I knew the moment the game was over. So was our shared reality. You just heard alternate realities from Embedded. You can also check out a version of the story that I made for this American Life that is available now. This series would not have been possible without my father, mother and sister. Kira, I cannot say enough about your openness and bravery, and I'm so thankful for your love and support throughout this project. It means the world to me. This series was produced and sound designed by Ariana Garib Lee and Dan Girma. The two of you were incredible to work with the and you both have my back every step of the way. You guys are amazing. Luis Treas edited this series. And Luis, I just want to say thank you for all of your dedication and believing in this story from the very beginning. Music includes original scoring by my guy, Peter Leonard, Gilly Moon and Robert Rodriguez mastered this series. Fact checking by Greta Pittenger. Special thanks to Sarah Wyman for production support. Leona Simstrom is our supervising senior producer. Katie Simon is our supervising senior editor. Katie, thank you for being so patient with me throughout this process. Irene Noguchi is our executive producer. NPR's senior vice president for podcasting is Colin Campbell. What up, Colin? The Embedded team also includes Adelina Lancianniz, Abby Windle, Andrew Mambo and Raina Cohen. Thanks to Managing Editor of Standards and Practices, Toni Cavan and to Micah Ratner and Johannes Durgi for legal support. Our visuals editor is Emily Bogle. Original tile art by Luke Medina. Special thanks to Kelly McEvers, Brett Neely, Sarah Ventri and Lauren Gonzalez. And also David Kestenbaum, Frances Swanson and Ira Glass from this American Life. Also, thank you to Nishat Kurwa from Vox Media, Simon Adler and Tessa Stewart, who helped with this story early on. Thank you to the people in my life, Joshua Muir, Ellen Skiff and all the other friends who have kept me sane over the months. Shout out to my personal board members, Sean Ramaswoorm and Chris Bannon and Dave Johnson. Thank you so much for your contract support. Finally, we are grateful to all the social scientists, journalists and other experts who took the time to speak to us and whose research informed this series, including Charlie Safford, Joseph Uszinski, Tom Costello, Sander Vanderlinden, Gordon Pennicook, Matthew Taylor, Alexandra Philendra, and Brad Onishi, who has a great podcast called Straight White American Jesus. Check it out. And a big thanks to our Embedded plus supporters. Embedded is where we do ambitious long form journalism at npr and Embedded plus helps us keep that work going. Supporters also get to listen to every Embedded series sponsor free and every episode early. Find out more@plus.NPR.org embedded or find the embedded channel in Apple. Alright, I'm Zach Mack and this is Embedded. Thank you for listening.
Dad
Hey Zach, just wanted to check in with you, see how you were doing. And then also just wanted to say we just come from different points of view. And I hope that as we continue to Talk here in 2025 and as you edit this program, you'll recognize that we just have we just come from different viewpoints and we can still cohabitate, so to speak, even though we disagree on our world views. All right, love you. Have a great day. Bye.
Kelly McEvers
Support for NPR and the following message come from Saatva Saatva luxury mattresses are every bit as elegant as the most expensive brands, but because they're sold online, they're about half the price. Visit saatva.com NPR and save an additional $200. Support for NPR and the following message come from Bolen Branch. Change your sleep with Bolen Branch's airy blankets, cloud like duvets and breathable sheets. Feel the difference with 15% off your first order@bolenbranch.com with code NPR exclusions apply. C site for details.
Podcast Summary: Embedded - "Alternate Realities: Facing the Facts"
Introduction
In the final installment of NPR's Embedded series titled "Alternate Realities: Facing the Facts," host Kelly McEvers delves into the deeply personal and emotionally charged narrative of Zach Mack and his family's struggle with differing beliefs and predictions about the political landscape of 2024. Released on February 21, 2025, this episode explores themes of familial bonds, ideological conflicts, and the impact of personal convictions on relationships.
The Bet: Ten Predictions for 2024
The core of the episode revolves around a bet between Zach Mack and his father. Zach had challenged his father to make ten predictions about the political events of 2024, wagering $10,000 on the outcome. The predictions included high-stakes claims such as the conviction of prominent political figures and the imposition of martial law.
Zach's Assessment:
"No convictions, no charges, not even any investigations. Literally no momentum of any kind." (01:38)
Zach meticulously reviews each prediction, attributing nine to his father’s inaccuracies by the end of their assessment.
Dad's Rebuttals:
Despite the lack of fulfillment of these predictions, Zach's father remains steadfast in his beliefs.
"Just because this has not happened in 2024 doesn't make any of these less valid." (04:39)
Family Rift Intensifies
As the predictions falter, underlying tensions within the family surface, exacerbating the already strained relationships between Zach, his father, mother, and sister Kira.
Mother’s Decision to Separate:
Minutes before a pivotal family call, Zach's sister expresses her inability to participate due to accumulated anger and hurt, leading to the revelation of her decision to separate from their parents.
"After 40 years of marriage, mom was done. They had agreed to separate and for my dad to move out." (09:05)
Impact on Zach and Kira:
The fallout affects Zach deeply, as he navigates his responsibilities towards his family while grappling with his father's unyielding stance.
Final Confrontation and Emotional Climax
The episode culminates in a heartfelt and tearful final meeting between Zach and his father to settle the bet and address the familial rifts.
Zach's Emotional Breakdown:
"As we stood there hugging, I just broke down." (24:56)
This moment underscores the profound emotional toll the conflict has taken on Zach.
Father's Last Words:
In a brief final message, Zach's father expresses a glimmer of hope for coexistence despite their differing worldviews.
"We just have we just come from different viewpoints and we can still cohabitate, so to speak, even though we disagree on our world views." (29:35)
Themes and Insights
Ideological Rigidity vs. Open-Mindedness:
The father's unwavering belief in his predictions and spiritual convictions versus Zach's challenge to question and fact-check these beliefs highlights the struggle between holding steadfast to personal ideologies and embracing flexibility.
Family Dynamics and Alienation:
The episode poignantly illustrates how conflicting beliefs can lead to isolation within a family, affecting marriages, parent-child relationships, and sibling bonds.
The Cost of Conviction:
Zach grapples with feelings of relief intertwined with guilt over the consequences of winning the bet, emphasizing the emotional cost of prioritizing truth over familial harmony.
Hope for Reconciliation:
Despite the adversarial outcomes, there remains a subtle undertone of hope that with professional guidance, the family might find a path to mutual understanding and healing.
Conclusion
"Alternate Realities: Facing the Facts" serves as a compelling exploration of how personal convictions can shape and sometimes fracture family relationships. Through Zach Mack's candid recounting of his family's journey, the episode sheds light on the delicate balance between upholding one's beliefs and maintaining meaningful connections with loved ones. As the family stands at a crossroads, the narrative leaves listeners contemplating the importance of empathy, communication, and the willingness to seek common ground amidst profound differences.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
Zach Mack on the Failed Predictions:
"All the episodes are there. Okay, back to the story. Here's episode three." (00:15)
"Barack Obama will be convicted of treason... Literally no momentum of any kind." (00:56)
Dad's Persistence:
"Or less real. I guarantee you, you will see by the end of 2025 that all 10 of these have legs." (04:39)
"I still believe the majority of these things are legitimate." (11:54)
Emotional Climax:
"I want to have you say after each one of these is that, wow, dad, you were right and I was wrong." (03:53)
"I just broke down." (24:56)
Final Message from Dad:
"We just have we just come from different viewpoints and we can still cohabitate, so to speak, even though we disagree on our world views." (29:35)
Acknowledgments
This episode was produced by Zach Mack with contributions from his family members, including his father, mother, sister Kira, and extended family and friends. Special thanks are extended to the production team, including Ariana Garib Lee, Dan Girma, Luis Treas, and others who supported the storytelling and technical aspects of the series.
Further Listening
Listeners interested in this narrative can also explore a version of Zach Mack's story featured on This American Life. Additional resources and episodes from the Embedded series are available for those seeking to understand the multifaceted nature of personal and familial conflicts in the face of divergent realities.